Iceland has long had a close relationship with its rugged coastline. This 10-day cruise lets you experience that shore in all its glory.

Your departure from Reykjavik is not until 8pm, but we highly recommend booking an extra day or two in this lively capital before or after your cruise. Your first feature stop will be the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and the Snaefellsjokull Glacier, made famous by the stories of Jules Verne. Then journey into the isolated Westfjords, where sights include Dynjandi Waterfall and the birdlife of Vigur Island.

As you explore the remote north coast, including abandoned fishing villages and still-thriving small towns, Zodiac boats take you in for a closer look. Be ready to explore a very different world as you approach the Lake Myvatn region. Said to be a meeting point between Heaven and Hell, you’ll have a choice of excursions here, which may include the awe-inspiring Dettisfoss waterfall, which featured in the film Prometheus.

Anchoring off Flatey, watch for whales, dolphins and sea birds in Skjalfandi Bay. Then turn south through the Eastfjords, where you may spot seals while kayaking, or wild reindeer while hiking. The Vatnajokull glacier is a highlight near the former fishing village of Hofn, while local lagoons – fed by retreating glaciers – serve as reminders of a changing natural landscape.

Explore the volcanic Vestmannaeyjar islands on your way along the south shore. The only inhabited island here is Heimaey, which has seen more than one quick evacuation in response to a sudden eruption. With that being said, the area is rich with local birds, fascinating caves, and even offers you the unique opportunity to play golf in a sunken volcanic crater.

Reykjavik

On arrival into Reykjavik you have the choice of many day tour options (not included) before you board your vessel the Ocean Diamond. Explore the highlights of the world's northern most national capital city or relax at the Blue Lagoon. The ship will depart Reykjavik harbour at 8 p.m. The OCEAN DIAMOND docks in Old Reykjavik Harbour in the heart of the city, a five-minute stroll from the main squares, shopping and dining.

Ocean Diamond

The Ocean Diamond is a modern, stable super-yacht, and one of the largest of our small expedition ships. Carrying a maximum of 189 passengers, and with two stabilizers and an ice-strengthened hull, this outstanding vessel is ideal for polar expeditions. As one of the newest, ...

The Ocean Diamond is a modern, stable super-yacht, and one of the largest of our small expedition ships. Carrying a maximum of 189 passengers, and with two stabilizers and an ice-strengthened hull, this outstanding vessel is ideal for polar expeditions.

As one of the newest, fastest, and most eco-friendly ships in Antarctica, it is also one of the most comfortable. There are 101 elegantly designed cabins and suites, all with exterior views, and expansive common spaces, a club lounge, and a spacious restaurant. The ship offers numerous adventure options, plus on-board features such as interactions with photography instructors. After a full day of exploration, passengers can relax, browse books or DVDs in the well-stocked polar library.

Passengers traveling to one of the world's most remote destinations will also do so in a "greener" fashion; the Ocean Diamond is the first ship in Antarctica, and in polar to offer certified Carbon Neutral voyages.

Facilities

Doctor on Call

Internet Access

Library

Massage Treatments

Theater

Photo gallery

Stykkisholmur

Stykkisholmur is the starting point of your adventures on the Snaefellnes Peninsula. Often called "Iceland in Miniature" because of its it diverse landscapes, the area is home to bird-rich Breidafjördur Bay and Snaefellsjokull glacier, which sits atop a 700,000-year-old dormant volcano that was featured in the Jules Verne novel Journey to the Center of the Earth.

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day3

Isafjordur

Today's destination is Isafjordur, an idyllic town in the Westfjords region. This secluded peninsula is connected to the Icelandic mainland by only a narrow strip of land and includes many road-less areas where cars have never been. The landscape includes jaw-dropping views of dramatic fjords carved by ancient glaciers, sheer table mountains that plunge into the sea and pristine North Atlantic vegetation.

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day4

Siglufjordur and Grimsey

By morning you will reach the fjord town of Siglufjordur, once the hub of the global herring industry and now enjoying a rebirth in popularity. Learn about the golden age of herring at the award-winning Herring Era Museum located on the vibrant harbour-front. In the early afternoon we head to uninhabited Grimsey Island. Located about 25 miles (40 km) off the mainland on the Artic Circle, the island harbours a variety of bird species including puffins, guillemots and gulls. Later, set sail for Akureyri, Iceland's lovable second largest city.

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day5

Akureyri

Ranging inland from Akureyri, you will visit the fascinating Lake Myvatn region, where the schizophrenic landscape looks as if "heaven and hell" have clashed. One side of the lake features rugged volcanic remnants, while the other side is blessed with lush vegetation and varied bird life. Summer shore excursion options (not included in the trip price) include a journey to Askja volcano via Super Jeep.

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day6

Husavik

In the early morning hours the vessel steams into Skjalfandi Bay and Húsavík. Often called the "Whale watching capital" of Iceland, the town's offshore waters are home to 15 different whale species, as well as dolphins and 30 variety of bird. Watching these graceful ocean giants in their Arctic habitat is an unforgettable experience.

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day7

Seydisfjordur

Iceland's East Fjords are best explored from the impossibly picturesque port of Seydisfjordur, nestled between the sea and steep mountains. Activities include seal spotting, horseback riding, kayaking and guided hikes of the Vestadalur area.

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day8

Djupivogur

Today's port of call is Djupivogur fishing village in southeast Iceland, starting point for an optional excursion (not included in the trip price) to Vatnajokull glacier.

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day9

Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)

Located off Iceland's south coast, the Westman Islands were formed by submarine volcanic eruptions around 10,000 years ago. Surtsey Island emerged from the sea in 1963 and is one the youngest land masses on earth. We go ashore on Heimaey, the only inhabited island, where half-buried houses remain from a violent 1973 eruption. During the shore landing there is time for bird watching and you might even spot whales.

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day10

Reykjavik

After breakfast, bid farewell to the OCEAN DIAMOND as you sail back into Reykjavik. Fantastic add-ons (not included in the trip price) include trips to the inland areas like the Golden Circle and its famous Gullfoss waterfall, Thingvellir National Park or simply hang out in Reykjavik, a perfect city for those who want to refresh their spirit in a place that combines invigorating outdoor activities, great food and world-class entertainment.

OTHER INFORMATION:

All routes and excursions are provisional and subject to change as weather, sea and ice conditions may affect the itinerary. *Triple occupancy/single occupancy upon request. Maximum number of participants per tour: 100

Pricing based on Outside Cabin - Porthole (Cat P).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in the current low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire. Rates for departures for next season may vary.